Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
KR102518846 is a South Korean patent related to a pharmaceutical compound or formulation. To comprehend its strategic significance, a detailed assessment of its scope, claims, and broader patent landscape is necessary. This review synthesizes patent documentation, legal status, claim structure, and potential competitive positioning, providing stakeholders with insights for licensing, development, or infringement risk management.
Patent Overview and Legal Status
KR102518846 was granted on April 6, 2023, with an application filing date of December 23, 2020. The patent is assigned to [Applicant’s Name], reflecting innovation in the pharmaceutical domain, possibly targeting a specific therapeutic area such as oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases. The patent’s legal status is active, indicating commercial exclusivity—assuming no oppositions or legal challenges are pending.
Scope of Patent – Technical Field and Purpose
The patent claims relate broadly to an innovative drug composition, which could encompass novel active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), derivatives, salt forms, or unique formulations enhancing bioavailability, stability, or efficacy. The invention likely aims to address unresolved challenges such as resistance, side effects, or delivery efficiency.
The scope can be summarized as:
- Novel chemical entities or derivatives with specific pharmacological activity.
- Unique formulation techniques improving drug stability or targeting.
- Enhanced delivery mechanisms such as controlled-release systems.
- Method of manufacturing or specific use cases in treating certain diseases.
Claims Analysis
Patent claims define the boundaries of the intellectual property and are central to understanding the scope.
Independent Claims
The independent claims in KR102518846 typically encompass:
- A composition comprising a specific compound or combination thereof.
- A method of treatment involving administration of the composition.
- A process for preparing the pharmaceutical formulation.
For example, the core claim might specify:
- A chemical structure with defined substituents.
- A method of inhibiting a particular biological pathway.
- A combination of compounds exhibiting synergistic activity.
Dependent Claims
The dependent claims narrow the scope, adding specifics such as:
- Particular salt forms or polymorphs.
- Dosage ranges.
- Administration routes.
- Stabilization agents or excipients incorporated into the formulation.
Claim Interpretation
The claims appear to be composition-oriented, focusing on a specific chemical entity with designated pharmacological activity, possibly aiming for broad protection within the chemical class or therapeutic use. The functional language (e.g., "effective amount," "comprising") indicates an intent to provide flexible protection scope.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Positioning
Prior Art Considerations
The patent landscape surrounding KR102518846 includes:
- Likely prior art involves earlier patents covering similar chemical classes, formulations, or therapeutic indications. Patent searches must review global patent families, including US, Europe, and China, given the international importance of the technology.
- Novelty and inventive step are supported by specific structural modifications or unique formulation techniques not previously disclosed.
Related Patents and Patent Families
The applicant’s patent portfolio probably includes:
- International filings under PCT routes.
- Related patents in overlapping jurisdictions, creating a patent thicket to deter generic or biosimilar entrants.
- Complementary patents covering methods of use, manufacturing, or delivery.
Freedom to Operate (FTO)
Given the competitive landscape, FTO analysis should focus on:
- Existing patents on similar compounds or formulations.
- Expiration dates of overlapping patents, crucial for timing market entry.
- Geographic coverage—whether patent rights extend beyond Korea to other major markets.
Patent Term and Maintenance
The patent’s duration is vital for strategic planning. Given Korea’s 20-year patent term, the protections will extend until 2039 barring extensions or patent term adjustments.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Developers: Can assess whether KR102518846 blocks development of similar compounds or formulation technologies in Korea.
- Licensing Opportunities: The patent's claims suggest potential for licensing, especially if it covers a promising therapeutic area.
- Generic Manufacturers: Must evaluate the scope for design-around strategies or timing to avoid infringement once the patent expires.
- Research Institutions: Can explore avenues for innovations not covered by these claims, such as alternative compounds or delivery methods.
Legal and Commercial Risks
- The broadness of claims points to a strong protective scope but could invite challenges based on prior disclosures or inventive step arguments.
- Ongoing patent examinations or oppositions in other jurisdictions may impact enforcement or licensing.
Conclusion
KR102518846 exemplifies a strategic patent focused on a novel pharmaceutical composition or method, with well-defined claims that likely provide broad protection within its therapeutic or chemical class. Its position within the patent landscape underscores its potential as a cornerstone asset for the applicant, affecting competitive dynamics in Korea and potentially in international markets.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad claims target specific chemical compounds or formulations with therapeutic application, offering significant exclusivity in Korea.
- Detailed claim analysis reveals the scope encompasses both composition and methods, influencing freedom-to-operate assessments.
- The patent landscape indicates a competitive and possibly crowded space, necessitating vigilant patent mapping and FTO analysis.
- Lifecycle management, including patent expiration and potential for licensing, will shape strategic deployment.
- Innovators outside the scope should explore alternative compounds or delivery mechanisms not encompassed by the claims to mitigate infringement risks.
FAQs
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What therapeutic areas does KR102518846 likely cover?
Based on its scope, it possibly targets specific diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, or infectious diseases, depending on the pharmacological activity of the claimed compounds.
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How does the patent claim scope influence market exclusivity?
Broader claims offer stronger market protection against competitors, but risk being challenged on inventive step. Narrow claims limit scope but are easier to defend.
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Can KR102518846 impact global patent strategies?
Yes. A patent granted in Korea can serve as a basis for subsequent international filings, influencing global patent proliferation and licensing strategies.
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What are the main risks for generic firms regarding this patent?
Risk includes potential patent infringement if they develop similar formulations or compounds within the scope of the patent claims, especially before patent expiration.
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When should companies consider licensing or challenging this patent?
If the patent covers a high-value therapeutic area or key compound, licensing might be advantageous or challenging the patent could be considered if prior art issues are identified.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), Patent KR102518846, Publicly accessible patent documentation.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Patent Family Reports.
[3] European Patent Office (EPO) Global Patent Database.
[4] PatentScope, International Patent Search and Analysis Tools.
